Slabbed coins on eBay - A safe purchase?
LickThoseStamps
Posts: 1,028 ✭
Is buying a slabbed coin on eBay really a guarantee that the coin is genuine? I have been reviewing the message board archives for threads related to counterfeit coins and found one from some time ago regarding fake certified holders.
For items on eBay (or anywhere for that matter), what is going to stop someone from placing a fake coin in a fake holder? I know that PCGS has a certification lookup, but all that really tells me is that “a” coin was certified by them.
As an example, if I were to purchase the following coin on eBay (link), what measures can I take to ensure that this is the coin and slab that PCGS certified?
It seems to me that I read somewhere that PCGS photographs all coins that they certify. Do they offer some sort of “escrow” service, where one can be reassured that the coin they are purchasing is the one that PCGS slabbed?
For items on eBay (or anywhere for that matter), what is going to stop someone from placing a fake coin in a fake holder? I know that PCGS has a certification lookup, but all that really tells me is that “a” coin was certified by them.
As an example, if I were to purchase the following coin on eBay (link), what measures can I take to ensure that this is the coin and slab that PCGS certified?
It seems to me that I read somewhere that PCGS photographs all coins that they certify. Do they offer some sort of “escrow” service, where one can be reassured that the coin they are purchasing is the one that PCGS slabbed?
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Comments
">"http://www.cashcrate.com/5663377"
Of a much greater concern is the service you are going with. If they are not "top-tier" (your decision what constitutes top-tier but generally accepted as PCGS/NGC/ANACS and possible ICG) . . . the answer to your question is NO . . . they ARE NOT a safe purchase. If you cannot feel comfortable with the accuracy and cosistency of the grading, that is a much more serious problem than any holder tampering.
Just make sure your slabs have no obvious damage . . . and look the coin over. Do YOU agree it is the grade listed on the holder . . . regardless of what the TPG service says???
Let me echo the advice for the 3515th time . . ."Buy the coin . . . not the holder." If you must buy on E-Bay . . . but certified, buy with a return policy firmly in place, and don't be afraid to reject anything you purchase that you can't see first.
DRUNNER
ANA Sec. 25 Rep.
Fine . . . flunk me. I'd rather work in numismatics anyway . . .
DRUNNER
I think that PCGS does not take pictures of the coins they encapsulate and grade. I think it would be cool if they offered a picture service (have your coins slabbed and get a picture of the coin) for an extra fee, but to the best of my knowlwdge, PCGS does not have this service.
Mark
<< <i>As an example, if I were to purchase the following coin on eBay (link), what measures can I take to ensure that this is the coin and slab that PCGS certified? >>
Take it to the bank. It's real. There are some fake PCGS slabs out there, but they are few and far between.
For more security, do a cert lookup. Yep, that one's legit.
The only bummer is who won it. Look for it to be busted out soon, and re-emerge in a bottom feeder slab with an MS62/63 grade on it.
<< <i>I think that PCGS does not take pictures of the coins they encapsulate and grade. I think it would be cool if they offered a picture service (have your coins slabbed and get a picture of the coin) for an extra fee, but to the best of my knowlwdge, PCGS does not have this service >>
They did have such a service at one time called the PCGS Profile but I don't believe they offer it any longer. (NGC has a similar program called the NGC PhotoProof that is still in operation. Unfortunately the quality of the PhotoProof pictures often are not the best quality. I know of two varieties of PhotoProofs. David Lange has told me that there are at least a couple more varieties. Unfortunately the last time he moved he threw away all of his examples of the early varieties.)